The NFL offseason is flying by as only two weeks remain before the 2025 draft. The Chicago Bears have been one of the busier teams this spring, handing out over a dozen contracts to new and return players, hoping to have done enough to give first-year head coach Ben Johnson the best possible shot at success this fall.
Although the majority of their signings have involved fresh faces, the Bears have also made an effort to bring back veterans like running back Travis Homer and long snapper Scott Daly. Other Chicago free agents have already found new homes or are still looking for opportunities, including one former defender who clearly wants to stay in the NFC North.
Former Bears DE DeMarcus Walker Met With NFC North Rival Lions
Veteran pass rusher DeMarcus Walker is one Bears free agent who's still available as the NFL draft nears. His availability might not last long, though, as one of Chicago's division rivals is reportedly targeting the 30-year-old defender.
"Walker also met with the Detroit Lions last week, per sources," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Wednesday afternoon.
Walker also met with the #Lions last week, per source. Teams looking into veteran pass rush help pre-draft. https://t.co/BmmjecdbQ5
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 9, 2025
Walker, 30, spent his first six NFL seasons with the Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, and Tennessee Titans after being drafted 51st overall in 2017. The ex-Florida State Seminole then found himself in the Windy City after inking a three-year, $21 million contract with the Bears during the 2023 offseason.
Walker's Bears run only lasted two seasons, though, as the team released him in February to create more cap space. The Jacksonville, FL native leaves Chicago after having tallied 42 solo tackles and seven sacks in 34 games (29 starts). He was also Pro Football Focus' 85th-ranked exterior defender with an overall grade of 64.7.
As much as it would sting to see Walker wearing a Lions jersey, a trip to Detroit makes sense from the player's perspective. The Lions have room to add pass rushers after losing John Cominsky to retirement while Jonah Williams signed with the New Orleans Saints. That's without mentioning how the unsigned Za'Darius Smith also left the Motor City this spring.
Fans likely won't know about Walker's intentions for at least another few days. NFL analyst Peter Schrager also reported that the six-foot-four defender was meeting with the New York Giants on Wednesday, and could more time after that to decide if more teams show interest.
It'd be interesting to see how a potential NFC North return would shake up the division. For now, FanDuel Sportsbook is still favoring the Lions to win the NFC North in 2025 (+125), whereas the Bears currently sit dead last in the division at +470 odds.
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